Malaysia Visa Requirements
For 🇮🇹 Italy passport holders
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond stay
Blank Pages
At least 1 page required
Multiple Entry
Single entry
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Japanese encephalitis (rural), Rabies, COVID-19.
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Malaysia is generally safe for tourists with low violent crime rates. Petty theft, particularly bag snatching by motorcyclists, occurs in cities - carry bags on the inside of the sidewalk. Use Grab rather than hailing taxis. Be aware of scams targeting tourists. Traffic drives on the left. The jungle presents real risks - always trek with guides and inform someone of your plans.
Money & Costs
Daily Budget (USD)
Cards & ATMs
Cards accepted in malls and hotels. Cash for street food.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Malaysia - prices typically include service. Upscale restaurants may add a 10% service charge. Leaving small change is appreciated but never expected. Hotel porters may receive RM2-5 per bag. Tour guides appreciate tips - RM20-50 per day depending on service quality. Taxi drivers don't expect tips.
Practical Info
Emergency Numbers
Emergency: 999
Police: 999
Tourist Police: +60 3 2149 6590
Getting There
Main Airports
- Kota Kinabalu BKI
- Kuala Lumpur KUL
- Penang PEN
Airport Transfers
KLIA/KLIA2: KLIA Express to KL Sentral (RM55, 28-33 minutes) is fastest. Skybus/Aerobus to KL Sentral (RM12-15, 1 hour). Grab to city center RM75-100 (1 hour). Penang: Bus 401E to Georgetown (RM4, 1 hour). Grab RM40-50. Kota Kinabalu: Taxi/Grab to city center RM30-40 (20 minutes). No train or reliable bus service.
Local Transport
KL has excellent public transit - LRT, MRT, Monorail, and KTM Komuter cover the city well. Grab is ubiquitous and affordable. AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines connect domestic destinations cheaply. Modern intercity buses are comfortable and affordable. Trains connect KL to various cities including Singapore. In East Malaysia, boats and planes may be necessary.
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
West coast: Dec-Apr. East coast: Apr-Oct. Borneo: Mar-Oct. Varies by region.
Cultural Notes
Malaysia is officially Muslim, so respect religious customs. Dress modestly when visiting mosques (women cover hair and limbs). Remove shoes before entering mosques and homes. During Ramadan, be discrete about eating in public during daylight hours in conservative areas. Malaysian Chinese and Indian communities maintain their distinct traditions. Pointing with a finger is rude - use your thumb instead.
Insider Tips
Malaysia is incredibly diverse - Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous cultures create a fascinating mix. The food scene is legendary - eat everything from Penang street food to refined Malay cuisine. Grab works throughout and is the easiest transport option. Visit during major festivals like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, or Deepavali for cultural immersion. The peninsula and Borneo (Sabah/Sarawak) offer very different experiences.
Dress Code
Modest dress in Muslim areas. Beach wear at beaches only.